How To Work At A Dispensary In Maryland

Cannabis Job Market Overview:

A 2022 ballot initiative amending the Maryland Constitution to legalize adult-use sales was passed by voters by a large margin — 66% to 34%. Sales are expected to begin in July 2023.

There are currently no separate rules for adult-use cannabis workers.

Medical cannabis in Maryland was made legal in May 2013 with sales beginning in December 2017.

Cannabis Job Requirements & Application Process:

Do you need a worker’s permit for a cannabis industry job in Maryland

Yes. Employees in Maryland must obtain a worker’s permit before starting a plant-touching role. Any individual working for a licensed dispensary, medical grow, or processor must be registered as an agent. In Maryland, cannabis worker permits are called Agent cards.

There are three types of agent cards in Maryland, depending on requirements of the job:

1. Grower Agent
2. Processor Agent
3. Dispensary Agent

Who completes the agent card for a cannabis industry jobseeker in Maryland?

In Maryland, the cannabis industry employer, or licensee, submits the agent card application on behalf of the employee. In Maryland, the agent card is connected to the cannabis business owner, or licensee, not the employee.

How much does an agent card cost to work in the cannabis industry in Maryland?

In Maryland, each agent card costs $50.

How old do you have to be to work in the cannabis industry in Maryland?

Employees must be at least 21 years old to work in all cannabis industry jobs in Maryland.

Do you have to complete a background check to work in the cannabis industry in Maryland?

Employees must complete a background check to work in cannabis industry jobs in Maryland.


Do you have to submit fingerprints to work in the cannabis industry in Maryland?

Employees must submit fingerprints to work in all cannabis industry jobs in Maryland.

Do cannabis industry employees have to complete state training programs in Maryland?

Yes. The Maryland Cannabis Administration requires Cannabis Dispensary Agent Training for all dispensary agent card holders in the state.

Cannabis Job Background Check Requirements:

Prospective cannabis industry employees will be required to complete a background check. A jobseeker may not be eligible to work in the cannabis industry in Maryland if they have been convicted of a felony drug offense.

Dispensary Agent: “A prospective registered dispensary agent may not be registered by the Commission if the prospective registered dispensary agent has ever been convicted of a felony drug offense, except as provided in Health-General Article, §13-3308(d), Annotated Code of Maryland.” Sec. 10.62.26.03

Grower Agent: “A prospective grower agent may not be registered if the prospective grower agent has ever been convicted of a felony drug offense, except as provided in Health-General Article, §13-3306(5)(iii), Annotated Code of Maryland.” Sec. 10.62.09.03

Processor Agent: “A prospective registered processor agent may not be registered by the Commission if the prospective registered processor agent has ever been convicted of a felony drug offense, except as provided in Health-General Article, §13-3310(d), Annotated Code of Maryland.” Sec. 10.62.20.03

Additional Links:

• From Medical to Recreational: Maryland Dispensaries Expand their Green Empire
• Dispensary Training - Maryland
• Compilation of Medical Cannabis Laws

Additional Job & Salary Information:

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